In order to count afflictions as joy you must seek wisdom from God.

For discussion-----1. What are some spiritual disciplines that you have been practicing in your own life that help grow you in love toward Jesus -whether or not they were mentioned in the lecture------2. Which, if any, of the spiritual disciplines from the lecture will you put into practice-----3. What benefits do you think come from growing in love to Jesus-

For discussion-----1. Have you ever longed for someone- What made you long for them-----2. Is it possible to love someone and not long for them-----3. How can you fulfill a longing for Jesus-----4. Who will you desire to be with on your deathbed- Why-

For discussion-----1. What things pull your heart away from Jesus- Understand that all Christians struggle in this area.----2. How can we guard our hearts from the things that take our hearts from Jesus-----3. Knowing that certain things rob our affections from Jesus, even lawful things, how should we treat those things-

For discussion-----1. Are Jesus' laws compatible with love- Is that what most people think about law- How do you put law and love together-----2. What does it mean to love Jesus with your mind-----3. What are some ways you can love Jesus with your strength-----4. How can you use your talents to love Jesus-----5. How can you use your possessions to show love to Jesus-

For discussion-----1. Have you ever been tempted to try and make Jesus love you-----2. Is it possible for Jesus' love toward you change- Why or why not-----3. How has Jesus shown that He loves you-----4. How can you grow to see Jesus as a real person and not an intellectual construct-

God uses trials to work Christian maturity in you, therefore by faith, -consider trials an occasion for joy.

James wrote to urge Christians to live out their faith in the Lord Jesus -Christ. May you glorify and enjoy God by walking in humble and happy -submission to the Lord of Life and to His Word.

Lazarus' faith and repentance saved him, while the rich man was -tormented in hell for his unrepentant heart- therefore, believe on the -Lord Jesus, repent of your sin, and trust Him to save you no matter your current circumstance.

The task of an elder is a noble one, therefore pray for men of godly -character to serve the church.